Being diagnosed with allergies can at first be overwhelming. And the incredible amount of information available can be a challenge just to sort through
The questions in this article relate to allergies that are triggered by airborne allergens as opposed to those that cause reactions when ingested. Here are 4 questions and answers about allergies.
Is there a cure for allergies? As of this writing, there is no cure for allergies. It is caused by a person's chemical make-up which triggers the body to overreact to certain airborne particulates. These triggers are different for different people and can include everything from household dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores to pet dander, airborne chemicals, and even smoke; and the toughest cases often involve a combination of triggers.
How can I tell which airborne triggers are causing a reaction? Your allergist can do a series of tests which expose you to very small doses of many potential triggers. You are deemed allergic to those that show a positive reaction. The range of sensitivity can vary greatly, but a positive result to any allergen should be your cue to avoid it like the plaque. Many triggers only occur seasonally, and once that season passes and your exposure to them decreases, the symptoms fade as well. For others who are allergic to indoor allergens like household dust, dust mites, or pet dander, they are likely to suffer continuous exposure as these are harder to avoid.
What kinds of medications are available? Numerous medications are available on the market today and can be bought from your local drug store. But before taking any medication you should consult a physician to make sure that you do in fact have allergies, rather than some other condition that presents similar symptoms. Whether your condition can be treated with over-the counter medication or needs to be controlled with prescription drugs is a decision that your allergist will need to make. Many medications dry up the extra mucus that is produced to minimize congestion, runny nose, and coughing. Others try to reduce the reaction before it starts, making your body able to tolerate the trigger better.
Should I take allergy shots? Allergy shots are designed to desensitize your body to selected triggers. This process requires many shots of small doses of the allergen and will take time for your body to slowly build up immunity against the trigger. This is not a quick fix, but may be worth it for indoor triggers that are common and harder to avoid. The shots cost time and money, but if you weigh those against what it can do for your quality of life, this can be a viable solution. If effective, this treatment can reduce your dependency on long term use of drugs to control your condition.
Constant filtration of airborne particulates can be done effectively, economically, and continually with a HEPA (high efficiency particle arresting) air cleaner. Filtering the air in your home or office will remove indoor airborne triggers that are hard to avoid such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pet dander, smoke, and chemical based odors. Designed to remove particulates as small as .3 microns, an air cleaner is a non-invasive, effective, and cost efficient way to clear the air, increase indoor air quality, and ultimately improve your quality of life.
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